FURTHER NEWS OF THE "MORNING STAR."
On the following Monday morning Dick called for his chum as usual, but Jim was in no hurry to start.
"You go on," said he; "I'll come presently."
As a matter of fact he dreaded the meeting with his school-fellows; it would be so different from the scene he had pictured while walking home from the cricket-ground. He had looked forward to a regular triumph, for it must be confessed that Jim was rather vain, though he had the good sense to keep this failing, for the most part, to himself.
"All right!" exclaimed the Angel cheerfully; but he went only a short distance, and waited till his chum came out.
"What a silly chap you are!" said Jim peevishly; "now you'll be late."
"Never mind, my boy; better late than never, as they say in the copy-books. I said that to Laythorne the other day, but he gave me one back. 'Better never late,' said he, as I went to my place."
Prayers were over when they reached the school, but the master made no remark as they passed to their places. He had heard the sad news, and easily understood why the boys were late. At the interval he asked Jim to remain, and told him how sorry he was for his great loss.
"Thank you, sir," said Jim, resolutely keeping the tears from his eyes.
"And, by the way, Hartland," continued the young master kindly, "if there's anything I can do, let me know."